Aerosol dispenser producing non-flammable spray with fluid system having a flammable propellant



Filed June 1, 1962 FRED PRESANT 2 CA/PMEZO CAAR/O/V J/P.

INVENTORS ATTO/F/VE vs FIG.2

F. PRESANT ETAL FLUID SYSTEM HAVING A FLAMMABLE PROPELLANT AEROSOLDISPENSER PRODUCING NON-FLAMMABLE SPRAY WITH Sept. 21, 1965 UnitedStates Patent AEROSOL DISPENSER PRODUCING NON-FLAM- MABLE SPRAY WITHFLUID SYSTEM HAVING A FLAMMABLE PROPELLANT Fred Presant and CarmeloCarrion, Jr., Bridgeport, Conn.,

assignors to Aerosol Techniques, Inc. Filed June 1, 1962, Ser. No.199,524 14 Claims. (Cl. 222394) Our invention relates to the dispensingof liquids from a container under pressure by means of vaporization of apropellent within the container. More particularly, our inventionrelates to self-propelled dispensing of a liquid in the form of asubstantially non-flammable spray by means of a dispenser containing afluid system comprising a propellent vapor phase and an essentiallycontinuous liquid aqueous phase containing an active ingredient soluteto be dispensed and a flammable propellent.

In self-propelled liquid dispenser systems it is very desirable foreconomic reasons to utilize water as a medium for carrying the activeingredient to be dispensed. It is known, for example, to utilize waterin three phase stratified systems having a liquid aqueous phase, aliquid hydrocarbon propellent phase, and a propellent vapor phase. Suchsystems employ liquified hydrocarbon propellents, such as isobutane,propane and n-butane or halogenated hydrocarbons as the hydrocarbonphase which vaporized to form the propellent vapor phase. One suchsystem has been described in U.S-. Patent 2,995,278. Systems of the typejust mentioned require thatthe ratio of one phase to another beaccurately controlled and correlated with the propellent valve orificesto insure complete and even extrusion.

It is also known, for example, to utilize water in a two phase systemcomprising propellent vapor and an emulsion of propellent and aqueousliquid to be dispensed. Such systems, however, may produce foamy sprayswhich are objectionable for some purposes and lease residues which mayalso be objectionable. Furthermore, due to viscosity limitations theemulsions employed in these systerns in many instances are too unstableto insure a uni-. form spray. Also, they require shaking before use toproduce a uniform spray. Also, two-phase systems are known in whichessentially water-insoluble Freon propellents are solubilized in smallamounts of water by means of a suitable co-solvent such as alcohol. Dueto the limited mutual solubility of the propellent and water, however,the amount of water that can be used is vry limited. Where the amount ofpropellent is large enough to give a desirable spray the amount of waternecessarily is comparatively small thereby making the systemeconomically undesirable. On the other hand, if the amount of water isrelatively large, the amount of propellent must necessarily be smallresulting in an extremely wet spray and incomplete extrusion at times.Thus, substantial amounts of water cannot be employed in such two-phasesystems and sprays obtained with complete extrusion of the product.Conventional hair sprays providing a finely atomized, quick drying spraypattern utilize an anhydrous two-phase system of alcohol andnon-flammable, relatively expensive halogenated hydrocarbon propellentin which the amount of propellent ranges from 50 to 70 percent toachieve fine degrees of atomization.

Our invention provides self-propelled liquid dispensing utilizing acomparatively inexpensive, flammable propellent, i.e., dimethyl ether,to dispense an active ingredientcontaining liquid aqueous phase in theform of a nonfoaming, non-flammable spray containing relatively largeamounts of water with complete extrusion of the liquid aqueous phase.Moreover, in accordance with our invention a finely atomized sprayapproaching the properties of a conventional anhydrous type spray can beobtained.

Patented Sept. 21, 1965 As embodied in a dispensing device, ourinvention com: prises a self-propelled liquid dispenser including acontainer containing under pressure a fluid system compris ing apropellent vapor phase and an essentially continuous liquid aqueousphase containing an active ingredient solute, water and a propellentcomprising dimethyl ether, and a valve member associated with the top ofthe container for dispensing the contents of the container in the formof a spray. The type of spray described above produced by the dispenserof our invention is attained by maintaining certain proportions of thecomponents of the system and maintaining certain characteristics of thevalves employed. The propellent and water components of the liquidaqueous phase are in the proportions of from about 5% by weight dimethylether up to the limit of solubility of dimethyl ether in water (about35% by weight) and the balance water (about 95 to by weight). Withinthese proportions, coarse and fine spray patterns can be obtained aswill be described below.

The valve member employed with the dispenser of our invention is adaptedfor continuous delivery of the contents of the container as opposed tometering valves which are adapted to deliver a discrete quantity ofproduct each time the valve is actuated. The particular continuousdelivery valve utilized in a specific embodiment of our invention can beeither of the types described as a vapor tap valve or a non-vapor tap"valve. Generally, a nonvapor t-ap valve is one providing communicationdirectly from the liquid to be dispensed through a dip tube and/ or tailpiece, a valve means and a valve passageway to the exterior of thecontainer. A vapor tap valve can be described as including a mixingchamber provided with separate openings for the vapor phase and theliquid phase to be dispensed into the chamber and valve means forreleasing the mixture of liquid and vapor in the chamber into a valvepassageway communicating with the exterior of the container.

We have found that the limits of proportions of the components of theliquid aqueous phase will vary within the broad ranges set'forth abovedepending upon the type of spray desired. When a finely atomizedanhydrous type spray is desired, it is necessary to employ at least 25%by Weight dimethyl ether in water and the balance water. While either avapor tap or non-vapor tap valve can be employed with such a system andstill obtain a finely atomized spray, the employment of a vapor tapvalve provides a softer type of spray. When a coarse, wet spray isdesired, e.g., in a hair set spray or window cleaner, we have found thatthe dimethyl ether components of the liquid aqueous phase cannot begreater than about 25% by weight. Preferably a non-vapor tap valve isused since a vapor tap valve is not needed for a coarse spray, althoughit can be used if desired.

We have also found that the limits of proportions of the components willvary within the broad ranges to obtain complete extrusion depending onthe type of valve used, vapor tap or non-vapor tap. When a non-vapor tapvalve is used the minimum amount of dimethyl ether required in theliquid aqueous phase to extrude it completely is about 5% by weight.When a vapor tap valve is employed, the minimum amount of dimethyl etherrequired for complete extrusion is about 10% by weight.

Thus, for a non-flammable, fine spray pattern with complete extrusionthe proportions are from about 25 percent by weight of dimethyl ether upto its limit of solubility in water and the balance water. -For anon-flammable, coarse spray pattern with complete extrusion whenemploying a non-vapor tap valve the proportions are from about 5 toabout 25 weight percent dimethyl ether and the balance water; if a vaportap valve is used the proportions are from about 10 to about 25 weightpercent dimethyl ether and the balance water.

' the active ingredient along with the water.

=3 We have found that depending upon which one of the two types ofcontinuous delivery valves mentioned above,

vapor tap and non-vapor tap, is employed the orifice diameters and otherphysical characteristics must be selected so as to provide a spray ratewithin the range from about 20 to about 100 .grams per minute at 70 F.to provide a nonfiammable spray. When employing a non-vapor tap valve,the orifice diameters and other physical characteristics of the valvemust be selected so as to provide a spray rate within the range fromabout 20 to about 100 grams per minute at 70 F. in order to provide anon-flammable spray. When employing a vapor tap valve, the orificediameters and other physical characteristics of the valve must beselected so as to provide a spray rate within the range from about 20 toabout 60 grams per minute.

In addition to the obvious economic advantages involved in employing asubstantial quantity of water as a carrier together with the use of theinexpensive dimethyl ether propellent there are other significantadvantages obtained through the employment of dimethyl ether in thesystems. The iow boiling point of dimethyl ether (24.9 C. at 760 mm. Hg)provides excellent atomization of the product dispensed and its lowdensity (0.661 g./ml. at 20 C.) offer a comparatively large volume ofpropellent per unit weight. Furthermore, the great solubility ofdimethyl ether in water (35.3% by Weight in water at 24 C. at aboutatmospheres) affords a compatible system and further assists in theatomization of the water particles-upon release. Since the Water anddimethyl ether are present in a single, continuous phase in thedispenser of our invention, the dimethyl ether is not only present inthe dispensed spray, where it assists in the atomization of the product,but due to its presence in the liquid aqueous phase also serves as aco-solven-t for Thus, the function of the dimethyl ether is twofold,that of assisting in solubilizing the active ingredients into the systemas well as acting as a co-sol-vent for other water insoluble ingredientswhich might 'be incorporated into the system. Besides the advantagesmentioned above, dimethyl ether is also noncor-rosive to metals,non-toxic, stable in the presence of heat and moisture, and relativelyinert chemically.

Our invention will be further illustrated by reference to theaccompanying drawing.

FIGURE 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a pressure container inwhich the two phases are illustrated as well as a non-vapor tapdispensing valve, in closed position, of the dispenser of our invention.

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 showing the valve in open ordispensing position.

FIGURE 3 illustrates :a modification of the dispensing valve of FIGURES1 and 2, -i.e., a vapor tap valve.

In FIGURE 1, the dispenser comprises a closed container 1 in which iscontained a top vapor phase 2 comprising vaporized propellent, acontinuous aqueous phase.

vided with a cup member 4 for holding a valve member 5 in the top of thecontainer for dispensing the contents of the container. The valve member5 comprises a hollow stem 6 with the valve 7 normally seated againstgasket surface 8 by means of spring 9 (in FIGURE 1 the valve is shown inclosed or non-dispensing position). Surrounding the valve is a housing10 (also known as the spring cup or valve body) with a tailpiece 11,with opening or orifice 12. Attached to the tailpiece 11 is dip tube 13extending into the liquid aqueous phase. On the valve stem 6 is mountedan actuator or button 14 containing a passageway in communication withthe hollow stem 6 and containing an orifice 15. When the valve member isactuated :by pressing down the button 14, as shown in FIGURE 2, thevalve 7 is unseated and the pressure of the propellent vapor extrudesthe liquid aqueous phase up the dip tube 13 and through the tailpieceorifice 12 into the chamber 16 formed by housing 10. The liquid aqueousphase being dispensed then enters the valve stem 6 through stern orifice17 (communicating with the hollow stern passageway) and is dischargedfrom the chamber formed by the hollow valve stem out through the buttonorifice 15 as a spray.

In FIGURE 3 two modifications of the valve member 5 of FIGURE 1 areillustrated by a partial sectional View. The valve member of FIGURE 3differs from that of FIGURES 1 and 2 in that valve housing 10a of FIG-URE 3 has an opening or orifice 18 for the separate entry of vapor fromthe top vapor phase 2 land a tailpiece with a pierced or molded orificewith a minimal length, e.g., 0.030, whereas the valve housing .10 ofFIG- URES l and 2 has a tailpiece 11 with an orifice 12 in the form of along cylindrical passageway, e.-g., 0.250" in length. As explained abovein relation to FIGURES 1 and 2, when the valve member is actuated, thevalve is unseated and the pressure of the propellent vapor exttrudes theliquid aqueous phase up the dip tube and through the tailpiece orificeinto the chamber formed by the housing. In the modification illustratedin FIG- URE 3 vapor from the top vapor phase 2 enters the chamber 16athrough the vapor tap opening 18 at the same time that'the liquidaqueous phase is introduced into the chamber 16a and the vapor andliquid aqueous phase are intermixed in the chamber 16a. This mixturethen passes into the hollow valve stem where further mixing occurs.

The flow rate of the liquid aqueous phase through the tailpiece orificeis inversely proportional to the length of the orifice. Thus, the flowrate through the short orifice type valve of FIGURE 3 is considerablygreater than through the long tubular orifice type valve of FIG- URES 1and 2. This liquid phase flow rate and the size of the vapor tap orificeare interrelated in achieving the I desired spray pattern. By varyingthe size of the vapor tap orifice to provide greater or lesser vaporflow rate to compensate for the different liquid flow rates, spraypatterns ranging from coarse wet sprays to finely atomized dry sprayscan be obtained. While FIGURE 3 shows a valve employing both a vapor tapopening '18 and a minirnal length tailpiece orifice 12a, it will .beunderstood, of course, that either of these two modifications can beemployed alone.

In fact, when a coarse wet spray is desired, a vapor tap valve isgenerally not employed. In addition to the employment of long or shorttailpieces and vapor tap or non-vapor tap valves to control flow ratesand spray patterns the spray rate can also be reduced by employing acapillary dip tube.

The compositions of our invention can be prepared and dispensers filledwith them by means known to the art, e.g., pressure filling a suitablecontainer. For example, the active ingredient in proper amount can bedissolved in the water component of the liquid phase and the resultingsolution added to an open container, or water can be first introducedinto an open container and the active ingredient added and the containerthen sealed with a closure having a dispensing valve. A large cylinderor another aerosol container containing the dimethyl ether underpressure is then connected to'the container to be charged. The dimethylether is charged to the dispensing container through the container valveand dissolved in the liquid aqueous phase. The quantity of propellentcharged to the container can be regulated, for example, by separating adiscrete measured quantity of propellent and charging merely thisquantity to the container.

In order to illustrate our invention more completely reference is madeto the following examples:

In this example a two-phase system was employed comprising a propellentvapor phase and a continuous liquid aqueous phase containing'dimethylether propellent in which the proportions of water and dimethyl ether inthe liquid aqueous phase were 65% by weight and by weight, respectively.The valve employed with the container in this example was a non-vaportap Precision valve with the following orifice diameters: 0.080 body,0.013" stern and 0.016" mechanical breakup, reverse taper but-ton. Thesample of this example was placed in a constant temperature bath at 70F. and allowed to come to temperature equilibrium. The sample was thenshaken, allowed to stand for 24 hours and sprayed.

Thefiame extension was determined by spraying the sample at a distanceof 6 inches into the upper A of a candle flame and the flame extensionmeasured using a calibrated stationary scale (ICC Tariff 13, September25, 1960). A flame extension of over 18 inches is considered flammable.

The open drum test was conducted by placing a gallon metal drum on itsside and positioning a candle or microburner midway between the open endand the bottom of the drum. The sample was then sprayed into the drumfor seconds. If any of the vapors are ignited or if the flame issignificantly lengthened, the sample is considered flammable. (ICCTariff 13.)

The closed drum test is conducted substantially in the same manner asthe open drum test with the exception that the drum is closed by ahinged lid. Three spray entry ports are drilled in one end-'of the drumand the sample sprayed for 60 seconds through such ports. If

an explosion or pressure pop occurs with suificient force to swing outthe hinged lid, the product is classed as flammable. (ICC Tariif 13.)

Table] Example I Water percent Dimethyl ether percent 35 Pressure at F.p.s.i.g-- 58 Spray rate at 70 F. gm./min. 45 Spray pattern Fine Flameextension None Drum tests Passes EXAMPLES H AND m In the systems ofthese examples the procedure of the.

preceding example was repeated with the exception that a vapor tap valvewas employed. The valve was a Precision valve having the followingorifice diameters: 0.050" capillary dip tube, 0.020" vapor tap, 0.018"stem and a 0.016" mechanical breakup, straight taper button Type A.

Example II Example III Water (wt. percent) 65 Dimethyl ether (wt.percent) 28 35 Pressure at 70 F 52 58 Spray rate (grams/minute) 27. 6 25Spray pattern Fine Fine Drum tests. Passes Passes Flame extension- NoneFrom these examples it can be seen that a system then employing a vaportap valve and up to about 35% by weight dimethyl ether will yield anon-flammable spray when operating at the spray rates shown. Althoughthe sprays of these examples are not quick drying, they are spraysapproaching the anhydrous type. The liquid aqueous phase in both ofthese examples was completely extruded from the containers.

The basic systems of the preceding examples can be adapted for use to awide variety of products such as certain hair grooming sprays, paints,window cleaner sprays, foods, nasal sprays, and the like by theinclusion of active ingredients in proper amounts. The waterdimethylether system of our invention is particularly desirable in somecosmetics and paints where a slightly wet to a coarse, wet spray patternis desired. For example, liquid active ingredient phases can beformulated for use as hair set sprays using a vapor tap valve by theinclusion in the liquid aqueous phase of water soluble resins such aspolyvinyl pyrrolidone, certain co-polymers of pyrrolidone and vinylacetate, dimethyl hydantoin formaldehyde, etc., properly plasticized andperfumed.

The following examples based on the above systems illustrate severalsystems in accordance with our invention employing a variety of activeingredients.

EXAMPLE IV An illustration of a system useful as a non-alcoholic spraybandage for burns is as follows:

Formulation: Percent w./w. Polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate 3.0 Water67.0 Dimethyl ether 30.0

EXAMPLE -V An illustration of a system useful as a wave set spray is asfollows:

Formulation: Percent w./W. Polyvinylpyrrolidone 2.14 Acetyl triethylcitrate 0.22 Perfume 0.20 Inhibitor 0.20 Water, deionized 82.24 Dimethylether 15.00

The valve employed was a vapor tap Precision valve having the followingorifice diameters: 0.060" capillary dip tube, 0.013 vapor tap, 0.018"stem, 0.016" mechanical breakup reverse taper button.

The spray of this product gives a coarse wet spray. This system had apressure of 36 p.s.i.g. at 70 F. and a spray rate of 52 grams per minuteat 70 F. The product sprayed down evenly and was completely extruded asa non-flammable spray. As mentioned above, a vapor tap valve is notnecessary when a coarse wet spray is desired and a non-vapor tap valvecould have also been employed with the system'of this example.

EXAMPLE VI An illustration of a system useful as a window cleaner is asfollows:

7 The valve employed was a non-vapor. tap Precision valve having thefollowing orifice diameters: 0.080 body, 4 0.025" stem, 0.016"mechanical breakup straight taper button, Type A.

This system has a pressure of 25 p.s.i.g. at 70 F. and provided a sprayrate of 60 grams per minute at 70 F. The spray of this product gives acoarse wet spray. The product sprayed down evenly and was extrudedcompletely as a non-flammable spray. If it were desired, a vapor tapvalve could also have been employed in the system of this example toprovide a coarse wet spray.

We claim:

1. A self-propelled liquid dispenser comprising a con- 'tainercontaining therein under pressure a fluid system comprising a propellentvapor phase and a continuous liquid aqueous phase containing an activeingredient and a carrier consisting essentially of water, and apropellent comprising dimethyl ether, the water and propellentcomponents of theliquid aqueous phase being in the propertions of fromabout 5% by weight dimethyl ether up to the limit of solubility ofdimethyl ether in Water and the balance water, and a valve memberassociated'with the container adaptable for continuous dispensing of thecontents of the container at a spray rate providing a substantiallynon-flammable spray.

2. A self-propelled liquid dispenser comprising a. conprising acontainer containing therein under pressure a fiuid system comprising apropellent vapor phase and a continuous liquid aqueous phasev containingan active ingredient and a carrier consisting essentially of water and apropellent comprising dimethyl ether, the water and propellentcomponents of the liquida'queous phase being in the proportions of fromabout 25% by weight dimethyl ether up to the limit of solubility ofdimethyl ether in water and the balance water, and a valve memberassociated with the container adaptable. for continuous dispensing ofthe contents of the container at a spray rate providing a substantiallynon-flammable spray.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 in which the valve member is a vapor tapvalve.

4. The dispenser of claim 2 in which the valve member is a non-vapor tapvalve.

' 5. A self-propelled liquid dispenser comprising a container containingtherein under pressure a fluid system comprising a propellent vaporvphase and a continuous liquid aqueous phase containing active ingredientand a carrier consisting essentially of water and a propellentcomprising dimethyl ether, the water and propellent components of theliquid aqueous phase being in the proportionsof from about 5 to about 25by weight of dimethyl ether and the balance water, and a non-vapor tapvalve member associated with the container adaptable for continuousdispensing of the contents of the container at a spray rate providing asubstantially non-flammable spray.

6. A self-propelled liquid dispenser comprising a container containingtherein under pressure a fluid system comprising a propellent vaporphase and a continuous liquid aqueous phase containing an activeingredient and a carrier consisting essentially of water and apropellent comprising dimethyl ether, the water and propellentcomponents of the liquid aqueous phase being in the proportions of fromabout to about 25% by weight of dimethyl ether and the balance water,and a vapor tap valve member associated with the container adaptable forcontinuous dispensing of the contents of the container at a spray rateproviding a substantially non-flammable spray.

7. The dispenser of claim 1 in which the spray rate is within the rangefrom about to about 100 grams per minute at 70 F.

8. The dispenser of claim 3 in which the spray rate is within the rangefrom about 20 to about 60 grams per minute at 70 F.

9. The dispenser of claim 4 in which the spray rate is within the rangefrom about 20 to about grams per minute at 70 F.

10. The dispenser of claim 1 in which the valve member is a vapor-tapvalve member including a mixing chamber provided with openings for theseparate entry of the propellent vapor phase and liquid aqueous phase tobe dispensed into the chamber and valve means for releasing the mixtureof liquid and vapor in the chamber into a valve passageway communicatingwith the exterior of the container.

11. Acomposition for dispensing from a self-propelled liquid dispenserand maintained under pressure in a container having a valve memberassociated with the container adaptable for continuous dispensing of thecontents of the container, the composition comprising a continuousliquid aqueous phase containing an active ingredient and a carrierconsisting essentially of water and a propellent comprising dimethylether, the water and propellent components of the liquid aqueous phasebeing in the proportions of from about 5% by weight dimethyl ether up tothe limit of solubility of dimethyl ether in water and the balancewater. a

12. A composition for dispensing from a self-propelled liquid dispenserand maintained under pressure in a container having a valve memberassociated with the container adaptable for continuous dispensing of thecontents of the container, the composition comprising a continuousliquid aqueous phase containing an active ingredient and a carrierconsisting essentially of water and a propellent comprisingd'imethylether, the water and pro pellent components of the liquid aqueous phasebeing in the proportions of from about 25 by weight dimethyl ether up tothe limit of solubility of dimethyl ether in water and the balancewater.

13. A composition for dispensing from a self-propelled liquid dispenserand maintained under pressure in a container having a non-vapor tapvalve member associated with the container adaptable for continuousdispensing of the contents of the container the composition comprising acontinuous liquid aqueous phase containing an active ingredient and acarrier consisting essentially of water and a propellent comprisingdimethyl ether, the water and propellent components of the liquidaqueous phase being in the proportions of from about 5 to about 25 byweight of dimethyl ether and the balance water.

14. A composition for dispensing from a self-propelled liquid dispenserand maintained under pressure in a con-' tainer having a vapor tap valvemember associated with the container adaptable for continuous dispensingof the contents of the container, the composition comprising acontinuous liquid aqueous phase containing an active ingredient and acarrier consisting essentially of water and a propellent comprisingdimethyl ether, the water and propellent components of the liquidaqueous phase being in the proportions of from about 10 to about 25% byweight of dimethyl ether and the balance water.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,800,156 4/31Rotheim. 1,892,750 1/ 33 Rotheim. 2,040,302 5/3 6 F ortier 222-3 942,070,167 2/ 37 Iddings. 2,119,643 6/3 8 Mendl 222-394 2,524,590 10/ 50Boe 252-305 2,957,611 1 0/ 60 Sagarin. 2,995,278 8/61 Clapp.

' RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No.3,207,386 September 21, 1965 Fred Presant et a1.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patentrequiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read ascorrected below Column 1, line 37, for "lease" read leave column 7,lines 26 and 27, strike out "a conprising".

Signed and sealed this 7th day of June 1966.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST w. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents

11. A COMPOSITION FOR DISPENSING FROM A SELF-PROPELLED LIQUID DISPENSERAND MAINTAINED UNDER PRESSURE IN A CONTAINER HAVING A VALVE MEMBERASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTAINER ADAPTABLE FOR CONTINUOUS DISPENSING OF THECONTENTS OF THE CONTAINER, THE COMPOSITION COMPRISING A CONTINUOUSLIQUID AQUEOUS PHASE CONTAINING AN ACTIVE INGREDIENT AND A CARRIERCONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF WATER AND A PROPELLENT COMPRISING DIMETHYLETHER, THE WATER AND PROPELLENT COMPONENTS OF THE LIQUID AQUEOUS PHASEBEING IN THE PROPORTIONS OF FROM ABOUT 5% BY WEIGHT DIMETHYL ETHER UP TOTHE LIMIT OF SOLUBILITY OF DIMETHYL ETHER IN WATER AND THE BALANCEWATER.